Robinson Helicopter this week unveiled their first new helicopter design in 15 years, the 10-seat R88.
Aimed at an expanded portfolio of missions, the R88 will be powered by a 1000-shp Safran Arriel 2W turbo-shaft engine that is expected to deliver an internal payload of 816 kg with full fuel, and a range of 350 nm.
Robinson made the announcement ahead of the Verticon expo in Dallas, TX, saying the interior of the R88 will be adaptable to suit a range of missions including including aerial firefighting, aeromedical, utility work and passenger transport.
"With the unveiling of the R88, we expect to disrupt the single-engine helicopter market, offering superior performance and capabilities at a competitive price," said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company.
“As the most vertically integrated manufacturer of helicopters in the world, we have a unique opportunity to provide solutions that no other manufacturer can – a highly-capable and affordable helicopter with readily available parts and predictable maintenance.
"This is exactly what our 10,000+ existing customers have come to expect from Robinson.”
Features of the R88 are expected to include:
- eight main cabin seats, two cockpit seats and 275 m3 of cabin volume
- a flat cabin floor, with a fold-down, truck-bed style rear door that accommodates a HEMS stretcher
- standard skids or optional high skids for increased ground clearance and compatibility with a firefighting water tank
- options including: a 1360-kg HEC-rated cargo hook, utility basket, wire strike protection kit, and pop-out floats.
- Garmin avionics suite, including large G500H TXi displays and GTN navigators with touchscreen controls, a standard 4-axis autopilot
- dual hydraulics for pitch and roll for critical flight controls
- LED exterior lighting, including pulse landing and taxi lights, tail rotor lighting, scene lighting, and entry lights
- dual cyclic controls with removable controls on both sides
- type-certified for optional single-pilot IFR operations.
Robinson has positioned the R88 at a US3.3 million price point, and is expecting to take deposits this week ahead of a testing program that will earn the aircraft an FAA type certificate.